Sheltered anchorage Cardigan area

ghostlymoron

ghostlymoron

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Im planning a trip from near harlech to milford haven next year in my 19 footer. Don't want to overnight so I'll need to stop somewhere probably around cardigan. Does anyone know a good sheltered anchorage? I can dry out and been looking at cardigan estuary.
 
If it were me I'd do Aberdovey, Cardigan, Fishguard/Goodwick, Milford Haven. 2 of the stopovers I've only seen by car though. The Dovey to Cardigan leg is 12 hours at 3kn, going to have to get the tide times right if you want to avoid sailing in the dark. (Apologies if the speed estimate is on the slow side, every boat I've previously owned struggled to maintain a higherthan 3kn average speed).
 
Aberaeron and Newquay are other possibles for stopovers in good weather both are drying.
 
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richardabeattie said:
The Teifi estuary at Cardigan is fine for shelter and holding but the entrance is a bit tortuous and when I was last there there were few if any marks.
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I used Teifi as a stopover in 2013 in settled conditions and HW-1. I endorse everything Richard says. Outside it will offer a temporary anchorage in appropriate conditions. If not good conditions , keep away.
 
Must admit I'm only daydreaming at the moment and might have to change my plans when I get an idea of how fast I can sail her. (I haven't had her on the water yet.) I've visited most of the harbours in Cardigan Bay but not Aberdovey which doesn't seem to have much shelter, nor have I anchored at Newquay which appears sheltered except from the north. Most harbours in the area only have a narrow window for entry : Barmouth, Aberdovey, Aberystwyth, Aberaeron and presumably Cardigan. Newquay and Fishguard are OK at all states of tide.
I'd like to try Cardigan, it looks inviting and sheltered where the Yacht Club is and the entrance can't be any worse than Port Madoc! I'll carry a sounding pole! and feel my way in if necessary.
Time to get out the pilot book and sailing guides methinks.
All comments very welcome though.
 
Porthgain Porthgain (drying harbour) is another option near Cardigan - I've only kayaked into harbour but seems OK to dry out. I've used Fishguard which gives good shelter in winds west of NW.
 
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I do know Aberdovey but you do have a narrow tidal gate of entry and you need to confirm with the harbour master on the latest position of the bar as it changes all the time. Make sure you are on a rising tide... But once inside, lovely estuary, great deep water visitors moorings very sheltered in all except a strong spring wind over tide, friendly harbour staff (no connection) and great pubs etc all in a beautiful setting.
 
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I'm enjoying your journey planning almost as much as I do my own! .. Thinking again, if we assume 3kn and a HW or just afterwards departure you would get to Aberdovey at just about LW. If you press on to Aberystwyth which is another 1 1/2 hr onwards you get to go in on a rising tide. I can't remember if Aberwristwatch is the most expensive or 2nd Marina in Wales though!
 
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